Meet Anakin DeBoe - The chair of Trans Guys Gather KC

What is your name and pronouns, the name of your business, where you are located, and what is the mission or purpose of your business?

My name is Anakin DeBoe. I'm a trans man (he/him) and I'm the chair of Trans Guys Gather KC, a social gathering organization dedicated to creating spaces that welcome and celebrate trans people, especially trans men.

Trans Guys Gather was started in 2024 in Portland, Oregon. I was approached by the founder and launched KC's chapter in September of 2025.

Did anything significant happen to bring you to this career path/ community mission?

I have a lot of love for Kansas City and it's queer community. But as I came into my own identity, I noticed that there were few places that I would interact with other trans men. Even in those spaces, it seemed as though I would see the same handful of us. It became important to me to find ways to draw this community closer together and build queer spaces where trans men feel acknowledged.

How do you express your creativity, identity, or energy?  Do you express internally or externally?

Dance has been a huge outlet for me in the past few years. Pole dance makes me feel strong and free. When I started physically transitioning, I feared that it wouldn't be an outlet for me anymore. I'm so happy to have been wrong. Drag has also become an expression I love. It's liberating to express gender in a bold and meaningful way.

How does your business give back to the community and what impact are you most proud of?

This organization is actively building community and creating connections that save lives. I'm working this year to further integrate Kansas City KS to support our brothers and sisters on either side of the state line. I'm extremely proud of the general outcome of the events I've curated. Hundreds of trans people have met and interacted and that's something I don't take lightly. KC took hold of this organization and ran with it. I am so proud of my community for taking advantage of the spaces I've made.

What is something people misunderstand about your business?

Very often, people ask if they can come even if they're not a trans man. It's one of my least favorite questions! Anyone who loves and respects trans men is welcome at our events. The most important part of Trans Guys Gather KC to me is the ability for queer people to meet, feel comfortable, and take those connections to other events and spaces. I don't want Trans Guys Gather to feel like the only places trans men feel comfortable. So if you're interested in hanging out with us, please attend an event!

Who are you when no one is watching beyond titles, roles, or expectations?

When no one is watching, I'm someone who's constantly reflecting, learning, and rebuilding.

Beyond the titles people see, I'm a creator at heart, always thinking, always imagining, always working toward becoming a better version of myself. The real work happens in those quiet moments, where I grow, heal, and prepare for everything I'm meant to build.

How do you show yourself care on days when things feel heavy or overwhelming?

Being present is hard when there's so much negativity in the world. But there are beautiful things about it too! There are times when I need to stay in and take my time preparing for the world. Other times, I need to wrap myself in my community to feel their warmth and push myself forward.

Follow Anakin on Social Media

IG @transguysgatherkc

TikTok @tggkc

Email trasnguysgatherkc@gmail.com